MARKING PERIOD #3

COLUMNIST: GAIL COLLINS of the NEW YORK TIMES


Article #1: An Early Holiday Hangover
In this article, columnist Gail Collins comically addresses the controversy between political parties, as well as the church, concerning Planned Parenthood and other topics related to sex and abortion. Collins envelops her topic with the aura of the holiday season, contrasting the light hearted atmosphere of the holidays with the darker environment of disapproval and political objection. She addresses the issues in order from least to most important: beginning with Planned Parenthood funds and activists, and ending with the problematic relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and the newest insurance plans that cover the cost of contraceptives.

*Writer's position: Women have a right to control their reproductive lives.
*How her position is communicated: "Dog on the roof," unconstitutional security bills, use of current political issues/rights, incorporation of holidays- "Jingle Bells."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/opinion/collins-an-early-holiday-hangover.html?_r=1&ref=gailcollins

Article #2: Housebound for the Holidays
In this article,  columnist Gail Collins evaluates the dilemmas between rivaling political parties, mainly concerning fiscal issues related to taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. She approaches the subject in a humorous matter, addressing the unfair favor of Republicans towards the rich, and stating that "nothing can ever get done," that is, compromises can never be reached in politics. To enhance her point, she compares the rivalry to war movie, Braveheart, to show how out of control the situation has gotten.


*Writer's position:
*How her position is communicated:


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/opinion/collins-housebound-for-the-holidays.html?ref=gailcollins

Article #3: Remember the Alamo
In this article, columnist Gail Collins assesses the speedy pass of a two month extension of a popular tax cut, and analyzes its connection to the famous Texan Alamo. She claims that either the "valiant" Republicans in the House would be remembered fondly, or that the government is actually allied with the people. She states "I digress" to allow her audience to come to their own conclusion, and ultimately concludes that the moment an old idea is questioned, fighting will occur between parties, including presidential nominations.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/opinion/collins-remember-the-republican-alamo.html?ref=gailcollins